It was the same old story for Iowa State versus Lamar on Dec. 2.

The ISU basketball team (4-1, 0-0 Big 12) defeated Lamar (2-5, 0-0 Southland) by a score of 96-59, but the lopsided result did not reflect how even the game was to start.

The tight opening minutes were more about what Iowa State failed to do than what Lamar was able to achieve.

The Cyclones stumbled to begin as they did against both Oakland and Georgia State in their two opening games at Hilton, shooting under 30 percent from the field well into the first half.

The offensive difficulties conjured images of the historic struggle that plagued Iowa State against Maryland, which led to the team’s first loss on the season on Nov. 25 in Kansas City, Mo.

Lamar was careless with the ball, turning it over 15 times in the first half, yet despite the turnover numbers, Iowa State had trouble pushing the pace and getting easy buckets early in the game.

Lamar went zone press against Iowa State, a popular move which appeared to throw Iowa State out of its rhythm as the team settled for long jumpers.

Lamar actually held a lead of 20-17 in the first stanza, bolstered by nine early offensive rebounds which led to easy put backs.

It was at that point that Iowa State finally got hot from deep as sophomore Matt Thomas connected on two 3-pointers as part of a 16-0 run for the Cyclones.

Iowa State went into the half up 38-22 and never looked back.

Despite the shooting woes early on, Iowa State ended up shooting better than 38 percent from deep and more than 52 percent from the field overall.

It was a balanced attack led by Thomas with 14 points, junior Georges Niang with 13 points and senior Bryce Dejean-Jones, who threatened a triple-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.

Iowa State takes the court next against No. 18 Arkansas in the Big 12/SEC challenge. Tip is set for 8:00 p.m. on Dec. 4.